PHOTOS BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DEALING IN THE CIRCLE … Swanton starting pitcher Beyla Remer unloads a pitch in non-league game at Hilltop last season.
By: Nate Calvin
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
sports@thevillagereporter.com
Last year, the Northwest Ohio Athletic League title was decided by a single game as Archbold surprised Bryan 4-0.
League coaches believe this season could very well come down to the Bluestreaks and Golden Bears again. Archbold is scheduled to visit Bryan on April 16.
Fourth-year coach Lauren Yoder returns 11 letterwinners and adds a couple transfers at Swanton, who finished third in the league last season with its only league losses coming to Archbold and Bryan.
The league will feature two first-year coaches as Shawn Sunderman takes over at Patrick Henry and Sarah Friess is the new head coach at Evergreen.
Below are the team-by-team previews for this season in order of last season’s league standings with last year’s record and tournament result in parentheses.
1. Archbold (16-7, 7-0 NWOAL; Lost in Division V district semifinal to Eastwood, 4-2)
HEAD COACH: Sarah Dominique (third season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Tess Ames (1B), .254 avg., 13 RBIs; Grace Meyer (OF); Alanna Pedraza (2B), .289 avg., 7 RBIs; Hannah Downing (OF)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Makena Thiel (P/OF), .315 avg., 21 RBIs, 4 HRs, 3.46 ERA, 101 IP, 133 Ks; Charlee Forward (OF), .438 avg., 27 RBIs, 4 HRs; Adi Kinsman (C), .243 avg., 13 RBIs; Meg Ames (3B), .406 avg., 15 RBIs; Daylin Bosco (OF), .422 avg., 23 RBIs, 14 stolen bases; Madison Bowers (2B/P), .324 avg., 11 RBIs, 3.88 ERA, 38.2 IP; Klaire Kern (SS), .320 avg., 17 RBIs
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “There will be some great competition in the NWOAL this year. There are key players returning as well as some promising newcomers on every team.
“We look for each league opponent to be a challenge with several teams fighting for the top spot. We hope to compete with the top teams in the league for a chance at the 2026 NWOAL title.
“I look for Bryan to be the ‘team to beat’ this season with their pitching and other experienced athletes returning.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “With the loss of a successful senior class, we look for our returning experience to guide us this season.
“We have a very challenging non-league schedule this season, which will help to prepare our athletes for NWOAL and tournament action.
“It is going to take some time for us to get all of the pieces put together and grow into our new roles, but our goal is to be playing our best softball at the end of the season.
“While our staff is looking forward to seeing the growth and development of our younger athletes, we are also looking forward to the continued leadership and example set by our returning letterwinners.”
2. Bryan (17-5, 6-1 NWOAL; Lost in Division IV regional final to Lexington, 6-1)
HEAD COACH: Hilary Staten (second season) LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: None
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Thea Staten (P) – .385 avg., 3 HR, 21 RBIs, 0.42 ERA, 305 Ks; Josey Arnold (C) – .368 avg.; MacKenzie Blevins (1B); Mylie Vollmer (3B); Ana McCoy; JUNIORS – Amiyah Langham (SS) – .377 avg., 29 hits; Clare Stever, Taylor Dominique; SOPHOMORES – Emaline Slagle, Averyann Fisher, Reese Ruffer, Mariyah Graves, Gisele Kidston
NEWCOMERS: Jozie Cordy, Allie Elkins, Karli McDade
STRENGTHS: Senior leadership, ability to manufacture runs, defense
WEAKNESSES: Offensive consistency, depth
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We will be a hardworking and competitive team looking to improve in all aspects of the game. We play with a great deal of energy and are a fun team to watch!”
3. Swanton (13-15, 5-2 NWOAL; Lost in Division V district semifinal to Eastwood, 13-0)
HEAD COACH: Lauren Yoder (fourth season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: None
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Carli LaGrange (C), .378 avg., 5 HRs, 28 RBIs, 19 runs; Alexa Faber (SS/P), .472 avg., 42 hits, 5 HRs, 42 RBIs, 31 runs; Jordyn Ramirez (INF), .338 avg., 24 hits, 4 HRs, 31 RBIs, 18 runs; JUNIORS – Adriana Elliott (UTL), .307 avg., 23 hits, 15 runs, 2 HRs; Gabbie Orner, Myla Goins; SOPHOMORES – Beyla Remer (P/2B) – .378 avg., 37 hits, 16 RBIs, 29 runs, 111.2 IP, 12-8 record, 77 Ks, 6.01 ERA; Lacey Shinaver (OF) – .388 avg., 38 hits, 13 RBIs, 37 runs, 10 stolen bases; Kinley Curtis (OF) – .340 avg., 18 hits, 13 runs, 7 stolen bases; Cara Ludlow (INF/C) .289 avg., 24 hits, 19 RBIs, 19 runs, 1 HR; Josalyn Kahl, Evelyn Ventimiglia
NEWCOMERS: SENIORS – Kendall Glonek; SOPHOMORES – Payton Glonek; FRESHMAN – Lainee LaPoint
STRENGTHS: “We have a very strong group of returning letterwinners, as well as a couple transfers in Kendall and Payton Glonek. With our returning pitcher/catcher duo of Carli LaGrange and Beyla Remer, I am looking forward to their leadership on the field.
“Senior Alexa Faber also returns for her senior season, with several years of all league and all district honors. Our catching and defense will be our strongest assets this season.”
WEAKNESSES: Pitching depth
SEASON OUTLOOK: “With all of our returning letterwinners, our goal is to make a deep postseason run. Our league will be strong per usual. Archbold and Bryan will be tough matchups like always.”
4. Liberty Center (11-9, 4-3 NWOAL; Lost in Division V sectional final to Patrick Henry, 9-6)
HEAD COACH: Nikole Keil (fourth season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Addison Zientek (2B) – 4 year varsity, .419 avg.; Macie Krugh (3B) – 4 year varsity, .323 avg.
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Kylie Pinson (INF) – 1 year varsity, .269 avg.; Hannah Culler (C) – 2 year varsity; Madison Foster (OF) – 3 year varsity, .281 avg.; JUNIORS – Aubree Zeiter (OF) – 2 year varsity, .483 avg.; Mackenzie Fuller (P/1B) – 2 year varsity, 3.44 ERA, .547 avg. [REPORTER: VERIFY FULLER’S BATTING AVERAGE — SUBMITTED AS “547” WITH NO DECIMAL]; Ella Miller (P/INF) – 1 year varsity, 4.02 ERA, .150 avg.
STRENGTHS: Experienced pitching and catching
WEAKNESSES: “We have several returning letterwinners working through injuries to start off the season so we have several players learning new positions and a lot of young players in our lineup.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We have a very young infield and have a lot of experienced players healing from injuries, but a seasoned pitching and catching staff that will be the heart of our team.
“We are also returning several strong hitters, including Fuller and Zeiter, that will do damage at the plate. I expect a lot of adversity starting off the season, but I see a lot of potential once we get settled in.
“We are hoping to be competitive in the league this year once we have everyone healed up.”
5. Patrick Henry (19-5, 3-4 NWOAL; Lost in Division VI district semifinal to Montpelier, 8-0)
HEAD COACH: Shawn Sunderman (first season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Kasey Nelson (C) – .411 avg., 33 runs, 34 RBIs, 12 doubles, 4 HRs; Mariah Boyer (CF/P) – .338 avg., 25 runs, 23 RBIs; Grace Behnfeldt (RF/1B) – .304 avg., 29 runs, 20 RBIs, 7 doubles; Illy Schwiebert (3B) – .313 avg., 22 runs, 19 RBIs, 10 doubles; Haylee Haas (2B) – .275 avg., 13 runs, 13 RBIs
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Ashlyn Mullins (OF); Kenna Rosengarten (1B/OF) – .400 avg.; JUNIORS – Brooke Scherdt (INF/OF) – .527 avg., 31 runs, 23 RBIs; Sophie Schwab (INF/DP) – .373 avg., 16 runs, 20 RBIs; SOPHOMORES – Faith Meyer (P/INF) – .286 avg., 16 RBIs, 3 HRs, 17-5 pitching record; Elise Wyandt (C/INF) – .384 avg., 27 runs, 19 RBIs, 8 doubles
NEWCOMERS: SENIORS – Shealin Schmeltz (1B/P); Trinity Johnson (OF); JUNIOR – Kylie Gallegos (1B/OF); SOPHOMORES – Mariyah Garcia (INF/DP); Summer James (OF/2B)
STRENGTHS: “We’re fortunate to bring back a group with some varsity experience.
“Our pitcher gained a lot of valuable innings as a freshman, and we return several players who have been in the lineup and understand what it takes at this level. That familiarity should help us be more consistent early in the season.”
WEAKNESSES: “We lost a senior group of five players that contributed a lot of innings, 19 varsity letters, and experience to our program.
“We’ll be asking some girls to step into bigger roles and possibly new positions, so there will be a learning curve as we adjust.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We return a solid nucleus with varsity experience, but we also have some spots to replace and new roles to sort out.
“With the coaching transition and a competitive schedule ahead, our focus will be on steady improvement and playing fundamentally sound softball.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “Defending NWOAL Champion Archbold and Bryan return the most talent and experience. They should be the clear front runners for the 2026 championship. Liberty Center, Swanton, Wauseon, and Patrick Henry will be the teams fighting for 3-6 place.”
6. Wauseon (8-13, 2-5 NWOAL; Lost in Division IV sectional final to Napoleon, 12-7)
HEAD COACH: Ralph “Chach” Leija III (third season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Aubrianna Everly (3B) – .548 avg., 3 HRs, 26 RBIs, 32 runs, 34 hits; Layla Martinez (OF) .359 avg., 23 hits, 14 RBIs; Kylerr Bronson (OF) .457 avg., 32 hits, 26 RBIs, 22 runs
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Bella McGuire (SS) – .536 avg., 37 runs, 37 hits, 25 stolen bases; Shelbi Leija (1B/P) – .288 avg., 17 hits; Madison Lane (OF) – .362 avg., 17 hits, 10 runs; JUNIORS – Abigail Kissel (C) – .578 avg., 37 hits, 19 RBIs, 27 stolen bases; Josie Russell (2B) – 13 hits, 13 runs; Addison Baldwin (OF) – 16 hits, 11 runs, .314 avg.; SOPHOMORES – Breah Teal (P) – .421 avg.
NEWCOMERS: FRESHMAN – Lila Schindler (2B/OF), Aubrey Sommers (RHP/INF), Adalyn Elling (RHP/INF); SOPHOMORES – Kassidy Noonan (OF)
STRENGTHS: “The coaching staff sees constant growth and development in our players’ game IQ.
“This really helps us better understand situations and opportunities on defense and offense in real time, which allows them to make good adjustments without the coaching staff having to tell them.
“This team is becoming more of a family every day and they understand the importance of making sure every person understands they each have an integral part on this team. Our players have a high standard, and they are all accountable to making sure they play at that high standard.
“Accountability is something we do not have to talk about, they are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them and grow.”
WEAKNESSES: “Our area for improvement will be getting our freshmen up to speed to varsity level of play.
“We have areas of our defense that our freshmen will have to contribute at a high level. It is up to our coaching staff to get them game ready while also making sure our veterans are polished and ready to go.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “Our team will lean on our returning veterans such as Bella McGuire and Shelbi Leija to help with getting our team up to speed for the season.
“Last year our pitching staff consisted of a freshman Breah Teal (right hander) taking the bulk of the work.
“She learned quickly what it meant to be a varsity pitcher. With minimal pitching arms last year, she carried the brunt of the load, supported with limited relief pitching by Shelbi Leija (left hander).
“We have hired a pitching coach to help develop our three freshman arms and continue to work with our current pitching staff. Coaching opportunities will be on the freshman players coming in this year while still having our veterans grow and improve.
“The coaching staff will stress the importance of adjustments on the field and in approach to hitting. Our softball team is a family so we will lean on each other to help us grow and become better every day and every game.”
LEAGUE OUTLOOK: “This year I see Archbold and Bryan fighting for a top spot in our NWOAL league again. With the middle pack race being with Swanton, LC and PH, but make no mistake our camp feels we’re a team poised for a top spot finish as well.
“Our team is dedicated and focused on the little things in softball that will help us win some close games to fight for a top spot finish.”
7. Evergreen (5-18, 1-6 NWOAL; Lost in Division V sectional final to Swanton, 12-1)
HEAD COACH: Sarah Friess (first season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Evy Shrader
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: SENIORS – Avah Vaculik, Riley Studenka; JUNIORS – Marlee Brubaker, Sydney Bull, Megan Clancy, Lanae Manz, Leah McVey, Alex Paulson; SOPHOMORE – Peyton Mossing
NEWCOMERS: FRESHMAN – Maya Vance (C)
STRENGTHS: “Our girls have worked really hard this off season and preseason. Behind the leadership of our seniors, we are confident that we will compete with teams this season and utilize the experience we’ve gained from having such a young team last season.
“We have solid pitching behind us with Sophomore Peyton Mossing and Junior Alex Paulson. We also have Avah Vaculik and Lanae Manz returning as stable forces in our middle infield.
“We are also fortunate enough to have enough girls to field a JV team this season, and we know how valuable that game experience is for the future success of the program.”
WEAKNESSES: “While we have experience, we are still fairly young. With that will come learning moments for sure. I’m hoping as the season progresses, we become more confident as players to lead to a successful season.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are extremely excited for the upcoming season.
“The girls have really bought in to the fast-paced, fundamentally driven practices and have stayed incredibly focused on getting better each day.
“We have a great group of girls and a dedicated coaching staff with Haley Senn, Bob Rathbun, Andrew Langenderfer, and Riley Lumbrezer.
“There is a lot of years of coaching experience with this staff, and it’s been great to work with them during my first season as head coach. We are ready to finally get to playing ball!”
8. Delta (1-16, 0-7 NWOAL; Lost in Division V sectional final to Archbold, 10-0)
HEAD COACH: Corey Whitaker (fourth season)
LETTERWINNERS LOST FROM LAST SEASON: Mackenzie Mercer (.189 avg.)
RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Sophia Ford, Gracyn Pelton, Bridget Whitaker, Mackenzie Clapp, Mya Martinez, Carlie Mitchell, Ryllie Taylor, Annabell Gillen, Ellie Martinez
NEWCOMERS: FRESHMAN – Lauren Lopez, Raegan Gray, Eve Smith
STRENGTHS: “Our pitching staff is more experienced and has been working hard in the offseason to get better. We will also have more seasoned defensive players.”
SEASON OUTLOOK: “We are hopeful for a successful season this year and to continue building for the future.”
For more spring sports coverage, see our 2026 BBC Softball Season Preview.